Season brings 25 percent increase in waste disposal

For most cities across the country, it’s not just stockings and waist lines that seem to bulge during the Christmas season — dumpsters go hand-in-hand with December indulgence.

By Jenae PaulsStaff Writer

For most cities across the country, it’s not just stockings and waist lines that seem to bulge during the Christmas season — dumpsters go hand-in-hand with December indulgence.

The volume of waste between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day generally increases by about 25 percent, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. That’s about 1 million extra tons.

This percent increase is also true for McPherson Area Solid Waste Utility. Operations Manager James Cook said the last week of December and the first week of January is utility’s busiest time of the year.

“It’s just longer days for our drivers,” he said, adding the trucks dump more frequently.
Households may leave extra bags sitting beside their dumpster but are asked to call the dispatcher prior to pick up. Some spread out their trash over a number of weeks, while others dispose of it all at once.

During this season, the most frequent items are boxes and food waste.

MASWU also receives a number of unwanted Christmas trees. Authentic and artifical greenery of any size may be brought to the transfer facility at 1431 17th Ave.

Cook said households have maintained their regular season recycling habits recently. In fact, recycling cart numbers on curbs increased in Inman last week, the most since its implementation in November.